Nimal Perera, advisor and close aide to business tycoon Dhammika Perera, was on Thursday appointed a non executive director to the board of Hayleys PLC, company sources said. The sources said the widely-accepted move strengthens Dhammika Perera’s influence in decision-making at the company.

“This appointment was decided after yesterday’s board meeting,” a company source said. Mr. Dhammika Perera with a 23% stake is the biggest single shareholder in the company and Mr. Nimal Perera’s appointment to the board was expected after Hayleys Chairman N.G. (Tanky) Wickramaratne retired from the company last month. Mohan Pandithage, the Group’s Deputy Chairman, has taken over as chairman.